Welcome to the Cotswold Magical Society
Events Programme 2026
We have an incredible schedule this year. Join our club to explore the world of magic and illusions. Let's unlock secrets to create magical experiences that leave your audiences in awe.
Star Lecture: John Hotowka
Wed 18th Mar 2026, 7.45pm
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John Hotowka’s lecture, Close Up That Paid Off My Mortgage, is a masterclass in practical, audience-tested magic drawn from over 35 years of professional experience. This engaging session showcases the close-up routines that helped him build a successful career - and literally pay off his mortgage. Attendees will learn polished effects using cards, coins, rings, and even ink, all designed to perform under pressure and in diverse environments. Beyond the tricks, John will share invaluable insights into the business of magic.
CMS Club Night Sale
Wed 1st Apr 2026, 7.30pm
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It's April the 1st and you'd have to be a fool not to attend the CMS club night sale. There are always incredible magical bargains to be found and trading to be done so...roll up! roll up!
Star Lecture: Dave Jones
Wed 15th Apr 2026, 7.45pm
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Dave Jones is a professional Magician with over 15 years experience! A versatile performer, his unique blend of baffling magic and hilarious comedy have been on display at literally thousands of events all over the UK, Europe and the USA! His amazing Table Magic is ideal for banquets and dinners, weddings and private parties, where the resulting laughter, applause and gasps of amazement really add to the atmosphere.
CMS Club Night: Anything But Cards...!
Wed 6th May 2026, 7.30pm
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This is a regular CMS club night so bring along your tricks whether fully rehearsed or works in progress and lets share idea and tips with one another. Anything but cards tonight...!
Star Lecture: Kevin Gallagher
Wed 20th May 2026, 7.45pm
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Kevin makes a welcome return to CMS with a new lecture so expect plenty of entertainment and wonder as he wows and shares his ideas.
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A professional entertainer of the highest quality with a wealth of experience in presenting a variety of original, award winning close-up entertainments to suit any situation.​
CMS Fool Us! Competition 2026
Wed 3rd June 2026, 7.30pm
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After a rip-roaring debut in 2025 (where I single-handedly failed to fool our astute judges) the CMS Fool Us! Competition makes a welcome return. Once again, proceedings will be keenly observed by Andi and Joe Gladwin with the winner getting the opportunity to go home with their pride intact.​​​
CMS Club Night: Packet Tricks and Miracles
Wed 1st July 2026, 7.30pm
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Well, we probably all own a packet trick or three but how about working miracles? Perhaps tonight we'll be walking on water...bring along your favourite everyday carry or, if you prefer, your celestial powers for another smashing CMS club night.
CMS Club Night: Your Favourite Routine!
Wed 5th Aug 2026, 7.30pm
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This is your opportunity to perform a routine that your like from a book or lecture notes. Or perhaps it's a routine that you dislike but you think has potential if only for a few tweaks or a new angle?​​​
Star Lecture: Adrian Sullivan
Wed 2nd Sep 2026, 7.45pm
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Easy Miracles and Dealer Demonstration!​
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Adrian's philosophy is to keep magic as simple as possible so you can concentrate on having fun and entertaining your audience. He is a very experienced International Close-Up Magician and Stage Magician with his own unique range of magic tricks. He specialises in high impact effects that provide value for money.
Star Lecture: Lord Harri Harrington
Wed 16th Sep 2026, 7.45pm
Lord Harri Harrington, also known as Harri, is a talented close-up magician based in South Wales. He gained recognition through his elementary lecture and has performed at various magic clubs, including The Magic Circle. Harri's magic is characterised by its playful and cheeky nature, and he performs a variety of tricks such as "Stash Cash," "Borrowed Note to Lighter," and "Wallet Hacker DIY." He also creates and releases magic, and his performances are available for viewing through his indie store, Pocket Miracles.
The CMS Stand Up Competition 2026
Wed 7th Oct 2026, 7.30pm
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The annual CMS Stand Up competition is always hotly contested and also enjoyed by a room full of guests and fellow magicians alike. So come along, join in and put your best foot forward. You never know what might happen...
CMS Club Night: Theme TBA
Wed 21st Oct 2026, 7.30pm
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Well, we'll see won't we? It's a mystery...​​​
CMS Club Night: Silks and Rope
Wed 4th Nov 2026, 7.30pm
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This is the kind of magical night we can all appreciate. Our very own CMS magician, David Prouse, will be providing a workshop on silk and rope magic. It's bound to be brilliant.
CMS Club Night: Theme TBA
Wed 18th Nov 2026, 7.30pm
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Well, we'll see won't we? It's a mystery...​​​
CMS Club Night: Christmas Party
Wed 2nd Dec 2026, 7.30pm
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The traditional CMS magical Christmas party usually involves food, drinks, a secret Santa, a quiz and...magic chat and shenanigans.
Bring your best Christmas jumper, a hat and festive tricks!